News links: Count to 1 trillion – that’s the budget deficit

The Obama administration is set to report Friday that the federal budget deficit exceeded $1 trillion for the second straight year, providing critics of government spending with fresh ammunition ahead of the midterm congressional elections. AP>>>

Enough Tea Party-supported candidates are running strongly in competitive and Republican-leaning Congressional races that the movement stands a good chance of establishing a sizable caucus to push its agenda in the House and the Senate. New York Times>>>

In last night’s sole debate for the one of the tightest and most closely watched races this fall, senatorial candidates Harry Reid and Sharron Angle gave voters little to work with. Washington Post>>>

Americans for Prosperity does not disclose its donors and is one of the most active this election cycle. Tim Phillips, AFP president, answers questions by Jake Tapper. ABC>>>

More than 58 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits will see no cost-of-living increase for the second year in a row, the Social Security Administation said Friday. Wall Street Journal>>>